Basic differences between intersex and trans

This page details some of the general differences between the experience of trans and intersex individuals in Australia.

Intersex is not a part of the trans umbrella (such as transgender or transsexual) nor is intersex a form gender diversity, because intersex is not about gender, or transition. Intersex is about bodies; about congenital physical differences in sex characteristics.

Intersex, transgender, and same sex attraction are distinct concepts and issues, and people with intersex variations face distinct health and human rights issues.

We recognise that some people with intersex variations change sex classification, and that some identify with the trans community – including members and directors of OII Australia. This is no more or less remarkable than when intersex or trans people are lesbian or gay. All LGBT and I populations overlap – but this means we have to recognise also that many intersex people are heterosexual and identify with legal sex assigned at birth.

A particular difficulty faced by many intersex people who transition is that we may have had involuntary and irreversible medical treatment to make our bodies appear more like our incorrect assigned sex, thus, much of the right hand column applies.

Trans/gender diverse

Intersex

A full and functional reproductive system, at least prior to any chosen transition process.

As with same sex attracted people, physical differences may be apparent in a correlation with ‘brain sex’ differences (though we note that sex differences in the brain are vigorously contested as form of “neurosexism”).

The ability to participate fully and in an informed manner in their surgical and hormonal options.

No prenatal testing; no selective termination on grounds of trans gender identity.

Early surgical and/or hormonal intervention is considered therapeutic (but contested), prior to a person’s ability to personally consent, despite a lack of evidence of necessity and established consequences for sexual function and sensation.

Medicalised and pathologised as Disorders of Sex Development (DSD).

Many diagnosis-specific medical protocols exist, with sixty years of medical research, predominantly focusing on genitalia and “normalising” treatments; no long-term follow-up, and no firm evidence of good outcomes.

Insistence on inappropriate and harmful medication when individuals do not conform with diagnosis or gender identity expectations; limited access to well-studied and appropriate medications.

Only some medication available through PBS.

Often surgery is conducted without consent; often surgery is coerced with no peer support.

Prenatal testing available for many intersex traits, with selective termination possible on grounds that intersex traits are disorders of sex development.

Administration of harmful drugs to pregnant women in an effort to prevent intersex births with a possible outcome of brain damage to the foetus.